World Series champion Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and the New York Yankees agreed to a seven-year contract on Tuesday. The deal hasn’t been finalized yet because there is a physical still pending.
The deal is worth $153 million. Ellsbury is the second major free-agent to go to the Yankees this offseason. The Yankees have been talking to outfielder Shin-Soo Chin, who had a .423 on-base percentage this year with the Cincinnati Reds. Ellsbury wasn’t the only addition to the Yankees on Tuesday. On Tuesday, the Yankees also finalized an $85 million, five-year contract with All-Star catcher Brian McCann, according to the Associated Press. There is a $21 million option for the 2021 season in Ellsbury’s contract, with a $5 million buyout. If the option is used, then the deal would be worth $169 million over the next eight years.
"Jacoby was a great player while he was with us," Red Sox chairman Tom Werner told ESPN Boston. "He helped us win two world championships, and he was a pleasure to watch offensively and defensively. I wish him the best."
This season Ellsbury hit .298 with a .781 OPS and 52 stolen bases, according to ESPN. His 52 stolen bases led the American League. Ellsbury, who was an All-Star in 2011, won two World Series titles with the Red Sox. McCann, who is a seven-time All-Star, hit .256 with 20 homeruns and 57 RBIs this season. In nine seasons in the majors, McCann has a .277 average with 176 homeruns and 661 RBIs.